Chapter 8
The reporters buzzed with excitement, their attention snapping back to Aurora as they fired off questions. She met their frenzy with composure. her voice clear and steady.
“Someone did save me,” she said, raising her chin. “A true hero. Once I prove my innocence today, I’ll offer him marriage if he’ll have me.” A soft smile played on her lips. “If he accepts, I’ll be his without hesitation. If not then I’ll remain single for life.”
The crowd erupted into chaos again at her response. Questions flew from all directions, but Aurora kept her silence, her delicate lips curved in a secretive smile.
Elias grabbed her arm, his face pale. “You can’t be serious, can you? Marriage isn’t something to decide on a whim. Whoever saved you, let me thank him properly instead?
“I can’t say more. Dad, she cut him off gently but firmly, meeting his worried gaze. “Just trust that I won’t let you down again” She couldn’t risk drawing attention to Maverick while he was still recovering.
Without further explanation, she strade into the examination room of Alice Myers, Yuresland’s most respected gynecologist
From her vantage point around the corner, Naomi had watched Aurora’s calculated destruction of Scott with growing unease. She noticed something fundamental had shifted in Aurora–using Scott as a pawn proved that much.
But she hadn’t counted on someone else having rescued Aurora. If what Aurora said was true, it could mean the kidnapping had failed entirely. Otherwise. Aurora’s willingness to risk her reputation with this public medical examination made no sense at all.
Naomi was furious both at Scott’s incompetence and at the thought of Aurora’s potential vindication. But surrounded by witnesses, she could only
wail and seethe.
Time crawled by until finally, Aurora emerged with Dr. Myers, Camera flashes lit up the packed press conference room as the distinguished doctor. her white coal pristine and glasses gleaming, projected the results.
“The comprehensive medical examination and laboratory tests,” Alice announced, her tone carrying the weight of authority, “show conclusively that Miss Sage remains untouched–an established medical fact
The room exploded with applause. Watching Aurora face such devastating trauma yet remain strong, bravely stepping forward to reveal the truth about her ordeal. This alone was enough to make countless young women cheer for her, filled with admiration.
Her courage and resilience in proving her innocence won her the respect and praise of all who witnessed it.
Even though Elias had believed Aurora’s word, a shadow of doubt had lingered in his heart. Now, hearing Dr. Myers medically verify his daughter’s innocence, tears of relief welled in his eyes.
Naomi lurked in the shadows, nearly shredding her skirt in impotent fury. “Who saved hert Who dared interfere? she wondered, rage building.
Her long hair fell, hiding her face twisted with jealousy and hatred. A subtle signal to her paid reporters launched their coordinated attack.
“Who orchestrated your kidnapping. Miss Sage?”
“Didn your loose behavior invite this attack? Aren’t you afraid of antagonizing the Parker family by offering yourself to another man?”
“You were already planning to break the engagement. You’re just getting what you deserve.
erve, you attention–seeker
Everyone knew about Aurora and Maverick’s engagement. The crowd tensed at the mention of Maverick’s powerful family. No one crossed them lightly.
tol, the reporters pressed harder.
As Elias attempted damage control,
“As if Mr. Parker would want sullied goods.”
“When will the Parkers officially announce the broken engagement?”
Many in the mean looked at Aurora and Elias with scorn and mockery. The Sage family i
family was instantly a laughingstock again.
Elas santral to blow up, but he held back, not wanting to upset i
(his daughter. “Let’s go, Aumra,” he urged.
Seeing Aurora’s pale fate, Naomi gloated. Aurora didn’t want to bring shame to the Sage family, but Naomi was set on making her do just that. She wondered how long Elias could tolerate his precious daughter now.
Audreju glacial voice sliced through the chaos. “Who said anything about breaking the engagement?” atmosphere in the rooan.
The surely
y words instantly froze the
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Chapter 8
The crowel fell silent, all heads turning toward the floorway. Golden light spilled in as two rows of black–suited guards parted like a curtain, revealing Maverick. His custom black suit emphasized his commanding presence as he stood backlit, his features sharp, eyes darker than midnight.
Whispers rippled through the crowd. “It’s Maverick!”
Aurora’s heart fluttered at the sight of Maverick. His devastating perfection took her breath away–he remained as untouchable as a distant star in
this life as in her last.
His presence here sent worry coursing through her veins–his injuries were still severe, too fresh for him to risk appearing in public.
The room collectively held its breath as Maverick approached. Each measured step sent Aurora’s pulse racing higher. His deep gaze locked onto her alone, the crowd fading to insignificance around them.
Without warning or hesitation, he captured her hand in his. His arctic gaze swept the room as he declared, “The engagement between the Parker. and Sage families remains unbroken.”
